Urgent Call for Expanded GDWS Workforce to Maintain Efficient Performance of the Nordbaltic Waterway
Crisis looms over North-East Sea Canal due to GDWS staff shortages
The North-East Sea Canal (NOK), a crucial lifeline for Germany and Europe's maritime economy, faces an uncertain future due to ongoing personnel shortages at the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping (GDWS). As the shortest route connecting the North and Baltic Seas, the NOK offers fast, cost-effective, and more eco-friendly shipping routes essential for trade and industry. Any delays in lock operation could trigger negative effects, not only in the local vicinity but also on an international scale.
"We are on the brink," Jens B. Knudsen, chairman of the Kiel Canal Initiative e.V., cautions. "We must take urgent action to secure the future of the NOK and maintain Germany's status as a key hub in international maritime traffic."
Recent staff shortages, particularly among technical specialists, have led to a spike in operational disruptions. For instance, temporary lock closures in Kiel-Holtenau have heightened concerns about the efficiency and reliability of the world's busiest artificial waterways.
"With less than a minute to twelve, we cannot afford to lose any more ground," Knudsen warns. The Waterways and Shipping Authority NOK is striving to maintain operations, but staff shortages are pushing it to its limits.
The initiative urges an immediate increase in technical staff at the GDWS, particularly lock masters, to ensure faster and more efficient handling of shipping traffic. Sufficient specialist staff is crucial for safeguarding the canal's international competitiveness.
Although the annual flat-rate reduction of 1.5% at the GDWS will be suspended in 2024, the failure to submit staff quotas to the GDWS is a concern. Suspending staff quotas is likened to staff reduction, undermining trust in Germany's maritime infrastructure, according to Knudsen.
https://our-website/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IfW_Report_NOK.pdf
The initiative emphasizes expediting and prioritizing upcoming maintenance and repair work. Delaying these measures could result in prolonged downtimes, affecting shipping companies and jobs related to the canal.
Dialogues with several shipping companies are ongoing to find a lasting solution. The Kiel Canal Initiative e.V.'s demand is unequivocal: the federal government must intervene and allocate funds for immediate staff augmentation. Investments in specialist training and enhancing job appeal are long-term investments in the competitiveness of Germany's shipping industry.
Established at the end of 2012, the Kiel Canal Initiative e.V. unites voices advocating for the continued functionality and future viability of the NOK to businesses, politics, and authorities. Members range from companies to regional authorities.
Broadly, the German Federal Government’s digital strategy aims to speed up digitalization of administrative procedures, boost digital skills, and promote continuous learning to adapt to technological advancements. While not directly related to the GDWS or NOK, such measures could make workflows more efficient and less staff-dependent, eventually benefiting critical infrastructure and international shipping. However, precise information concerning measures for the GDWS and NOK requires consulting official German government or GDWS communications.
For further inquiries, contact:Jens B. KnudsenChairman, Kiel Canal Initiative e.V.0431-9810[email protected]
IfW Report on the macroeconomic benefits of the NOK
- The crisis looming over the North-East Sea Canal (NOK) could significantly impact not only the local maritime industry but also the broader finance sector, as shipping delays could lead to disrupted supply chains and increased costs.
- To maintain Germany's status as a key hub in international maritime traffic, swift action is needed to address staff shortages at the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping (GDWS), especially among technical specialists, as they are crucial for ensuring the energy efficiency and technological advancements of the NOK's lock operations.
